Somalia's parliament has approved historic constitutional amendments, including empowering the president to appoint and dismiss a prime minister. The bicameral federal parliament ratified amendments to the initial four chapters of the nation's provisional constitution. The amendments were proposed by the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission. The amendment was approved with a unanimous vote, with 212 members of the Lower House and 42 members of the Upper House supporting it. The amended constitution stipulates a five-year term of office for government constitutional bodies and envisions the presence of three political parties. However, some political stakeholders, including former Somali Presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, opposed the amendment. Rights groups have raised concerns that the amendments could perpetuate existing traditional norms and subject girls to marriage at the age of 15. The current constitutional proposal has been criticized for posing a threat to children, particularly girls. The parliament of Somalia is urged to resist efforts to dilute constitutional protections for children. [26f524b8]
Somalia's Parliament has approved historic Constitutional Amendments that give the country's president the power to appoint and dismiss a prime minister. The amendments were approved by a significant majority of members in the lower and upper houses of parliament. The amended constitution establishes that Somalia will have a president and a prime minister, with the president having the authority to appoint and remove the prime minister from office. The power struggle between the president and prime minister has been a source of disputes in Somalia's politics. The amended constitution also sets the term of office for government constitutional bodies at five years, refers to regional state presidents as leaders, and promotes a multi-party system with the presence of three political parties. However, some political stakeholders, including former Somali Presidents and Puntland state leaders, strongly opposed the amendments, expressing concerns about the lack of consensus among political actors. The approved amendments also cover the age of maturity for girls and the criminalization of female genital mutilation, establishing the age of maturity at 15 and the age for responsibility at 18. Human rights groups have warned that the constitutional proposal in its current form puts children, especially girls, at risk of child marriage and called on Somalia's parliament to resist efforts to weaken constitutional protections for children. [f2ec192f]
In Australia, there are calls for a new constitution to accommodate a republic. The Australian Republic Movement has highlighted the need for major constitution renewal, stating that the existing 1901 Constitution is practically unamendable. The movement argues that piecemeal tinkering with the current set of rules is insufficient and that a new draft needs to be approved by a majority of citizens. Australia is a diverse country with a large number of migrants and their descendants from countries other than Britain, and the current constitution does not adequately reflect this reality. The failed Voice Referendum has further demonstrated the polarized nature of the Australian Parliament, which is attributed to the Single Member District electoral system. A government-appointed commission made an attempt to review the Constitution in 1988, but the highest national vote for the proposed changes was only 37.6%. The shortcomings of the Constitution are seen as numerous and require a comprehensive approach to change. The current text of the Constitution is based on the Westminster system of government in the UK in 1901, which is considered out of touch with the present reality. The Australian Republic Movement is advocating for a new constitution that better aligns with the country's diverse population and modern democratic principles. [7df19b88]
South Sudan peace talks face collapse as opposition groups demand the removal of a newly passed security law that allows detention without an arrest warrant. The talks, hosted by Kenya, involve government representatives and rebel opposition groups. The law, passed by parliament last week, needs President Salva Kiir's approval within 30 days to become law. The opposition argues that the law violates citizens' rights and freedoms and eliminates civic and political space. Human Rights Watch has called on Kiir to reject the bill, citing concerns about human rights abuses. The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has also urged the President to return the National Security Service Act (Amendment) Bill to legislators for revision. The bill, which was passed by legislators last week, would entrench arbitrary detention and further repression by South Sudan's National Security Service (NSS). The Commission argues that the amendments to the bill should align with South Sudan's human rights obligations and the government's commitment to scrap the institution's arrest powers. The Commission has previously reported on human rights violations by the NSS, including prolonged and arbitrary detentions without judicial oversight or accountability. The President has the power to return the bill to legislators for revision within 30 days. South Sudan acceded to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in February 2024, which includes protection from arbitrary arrest and detentions. The talks have resulted in a draft agreement proposing to extend the transitional period and postpone the upcoming election to finalize the country's constitution and electoral laws. Some Western envoys recommend delaying the election to ensure a free and fair process. President Kiir, however, insists on holding the election in December. [d796fd77]
Western envoys, including representatives of the US and Britain, have criticized a controversial security bill in South Sudan that would allow the government to detain people without warrants. The bill, which was passed by parliament on July 3, has raised concerns about arbitrary arrests ahead of the country's first-ever elections on December 22. The envoys stated that the signing of the bill would undermine the open political and civil space necessary for genuine and peaceful elections. The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has also called for amendments to the bill, citing human rights violations by South Sudanese security agencies. The US State Department spokesperson urged the transitional government to create an environment where people can express their views freely and without fear. The bill has a 30-day period for President Salva Kiir to approve or veto it. [965881e1]
The U.S. and other western governments have criticized a controversial security bill in South Sudan that would allow the government to detain people without warrants. The bill, which passed parliament on July 3, has raised concerns about arbitrary arrests ahead of the country's first-ever elections on December 22. President Salva Kiir has 30 days to approve or veto the law. Nine western envoys, including representatives of the U.S. and Britain, have stated that the signing of the bill would undermine open political and civil space necessary for genuine and peaceful elections. The U.S. State Department has called on the transitional government in South Sudan to create an environment where people can express their views freely and without fear. The law has also caused a rift in peace talks between the government and opposition groups. The U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has called for amendments to the bill to align with the government's commitment to scrap arrest powers that are systematically abused and unlawful. South Sudan acceded to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in February, which includes protection from arbitrary arrest and detention. However, the country's judiciary is fragile and lacks independence and resources to protect citizens against arbitrary detentions. [e0e58934]